Valve tester



R. M. SMITH vA LvE TESTER July 2, 1929.

Filed July 6, 1927 v INVENTOR. Hz haraCM'. 877112371.

Patented July 2, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RICHARD MARCH SMITH, OF NORFOLK, VIRGINIA.

VALVE TESTER.

Application fil ed. July 6,

This invent-ion relates to valve testers, and more specifically to testers to be used in connection with inner tube valves.

The principal object'of this invention to provide means for indicating a leaky valve of the above description without resorting to the present unsanitary method of placing spittle on the valve.

, Another object of this invention is to provide means for indicating leaky or faulty valves, by bubbles formed from a saponaccous material.

Further objects will be disclosed in the specification and drawings.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is an assembled side elevation of the tester; 1

Figure 2 is the same as Figure 1, with a section broken away; a

Figure 3 is an end view of Figure 1.

In the drawings, similar parts are indicated by like numerals.

Numeral 1 designates a guard frame attached to an angularly shaped tube 2 on which is mounted a bulb 3. The tube 2 is composed of a horizontal portion 4 and an elbow portion 5 which fits over the usual inner tube valve 6.

Within the tube portion d is placed a sa-ponaceous material 7 with a passage 8 leading into a chamber 9 which has an outlet 10 and an inlet 11. At the mouth of the inlet opening are rubber tips 12 for the purpose of making a snug contact when placed over an inner tube valve. The chamber 9 is bell shaped so that it outermost edges form pockets 13 with the interior, convex and sloping upwardly until it reaches its highest point where the inlet passage 14 connects with inlet opening 11.

As actually used, the saponaceous material is placed in the tube 2, the bulb 3 is deflated by pressing the same with the operators hand, and the elbow 5 of tube 2 is submerged in water and the bulb 3 allowed to fill by the release of the pressure exerted. The water in passing over this saponaceous material 7 becomes soapy and of such content that bubbles may very easily be formed.

In testing a valve, the rubber tip 12 is placed over lips of the valve, and the bulb 3 gently depressed. This forces the liquid over the saponaceous material through the small passageway 8 into the chamber 9. Be cause of the shape of this chamber, any sur 1927. Serial No. 203,818.

plus liquid drains into the pocket 13, and pre vents the same lez'iking into inlet passage 11, and at the same time, because of the convex surface presented, allows a thin :l'ilm to form. This film may cover either or both of the openings 10 and 1 1: without atlccting' the results. 1f the valve (3 leaking, the escaping air will pass throupgh the cljianiber 5.) contact .ing with the him of saponaceous fluid. opening: 10, thus notifying the operator that the valve leaks.

It is also apparent that the tester may be used. effectively regardless of "he position of the valve. if the tester inverted. from the position shown in the drawings, the Jilin will still form, and allow bubbles to indicate leaks.

lVhat 1' claim is:

1. A tester for pneumatic valves comprising a soap chamber, a reservoir at one end of said soap chan'ibcr, a bubble chamber at the other end of said soap chamber, and means providing a connection between the valves to be tested and said bubble chamber, said reservoir adapted to contain a liquid to be forced through. said soap chamber into said bubble chamber.

2. A tester for pneumatic valves, a liquid reservoir, a bubble chan'lber, said reservoir adapted to contain a liquid to be forced into said bubble chamber, means pro vi ding communication between the valves to be tested and said bubble chamber, said bubble cl nuber having an upper dome shaped wall. and a convex bottom.

A tester for pneumatic valves comprising a soap chamber, aliquid reservoir at one end of said soap chamber, a bubble chamber at the other end. of said soap cl'iainber, means providing communication between the valves to be tested and said bubble chamber, said bubble chamber having an upper dome shaped wall and a convex bottom, said reservoir adapted to contain a liquid to be forced through said soap chamber into said bubble chamber.

4. A tire tester for pneumatic valves comprising a body provided with a bubble chamber and means seatable on. a valve, ntieans for forcing a. liquid into the bubble chamber, said body constrijicted to provide a passage from the valve seat therein to the bubble chamber and there being an escape passage from said bubble chamber. 

